The Minnesota Vikings have made a bold move, securing tight end Josh Oliver with a stunning three-year contract extension worth $23.25 million, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal, which could reach a maximum value of $27.5 million, includes an impressive $19.9 million in total guarantees, ensuring Oliver remains a cornerstone of the Vikings’ offense through the 2028 season.
Oliver, 28, was in the final year of a three-year, $21 million contract he signed with Minnesota as a free agent in 2023. This new extension solidifies his role with the team, rewarding his consistent performance and versatility. Standing at 6’5″ and 260 pounds, Oliver has become a linchpin in the Vikings’ offensive scheme, primarily due to his elite blocking ability. His size, strength, and refined technique make him a dominant force in the run game, while he’s also proven capable of holding his own against edge rushers in pass protection when needed.
Beyond his blocking prowess, Oliver is a reliable, if underutilized, receiving option. Over the past two seasons, he’s demonstrated remarkable efficiency, catching exactly 22 of 28 targets each year. In 2023, he recorded 213 receiving yards and two touchdowns, improving to 258 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. His contributions extend beyond the stat sheet, as he played 572 offensive snaps last season while earning stellar Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades for the second consecutive year. Oliver’s impact isn’t limited to offense—he also logged 126 special teams snaps in 2024, after playing 150 the prior year.
Paired with star tight end T.J. Hockenson, who is also under contract for several more years, Oliver forms part of a formidable tight end duo that’s central to head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive vision. Both players provide critical support for young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, serving as dependable targets and blockers as he develops.
Originally a third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of San Jose State in 2019, Oliver spent two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Vikings in 2023. His growth into a versatile and impactful player has made him a valuable asset in Minnesota.
The Vikings have been busy this offseason, also securing an extension for linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and re-signing cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., who joined the team alongside Oliver in 2023. Safety Josh Metellus remains the most prominent player yet to receive a new deal, but the Vikings’ commitment to locking in key contributors signals their intent to build a competitive roster around their young core.
With Oliver’s extension, Minnesota has sent a clear message: they’re all-in on their offensive identity, and this deal could reverberate across the NFL as teams take note of the Vikings’ aggressive approach.